Inter-Korea

Seoul Expects N. Korea to Mark Birthday of Fmr Leader at Usual Level

South Korea expects North Korea’s ceremonial events to mark the upcoming birthday of its former leader Kim Jong-il will be maintained at the levels seen in previous years.

The Unification Ministry Spokesman Baik Tae-hyun said in a regular media briefing on Wednesday that Friday’s “Kwangmyongsong(Shining Star) Day,” as the North calls the birthday of the father of incumbent North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, will likely be celebrated as usual.

He expected the North to hold such customary events as a visit by the current North Korean leadership to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, the resting place for him, on Friday, while a mass rally and a military ceremony will be held a day earlier.

Kim’s birthday this year coincides with the Lunar New Year's Day, which both Koreas are observing.